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02/02/2025

West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Makassar Consulate, Holds Self-Determination Seminar, Attended by Indonesian People's Solidarity | TIIRUU

Nabire, tiiruu.com – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Makassar Consulate has successfully held a National Seminar themed "Realizing the Spirit of People's Resistance for the Right to Self-Determination for the West Papuan People" on Monday, January 27, 2024. This was conveyed by the Coordinator of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Indonesian Consulate, Hiskia Meage to tiiruu.com, Tuesday (1/28/2025).

Meage said, based on the reality of violence and the dark past history in the Land of Papua, the Papuan people are consolidating for resistance in the Land of Papua, but also his experience with the city's civil resistance organization and Progressive Papuan Figures in consolidating bases in the Papua region to Makassar.

"The consolidation of the student movement in the early 2000s, after the 1998 reformation, more specifically in the North Sulawesi region (Manado, Gorontalo, Tondano and Tomohon) including Makassar. Furthermore, the experience of joining AMPTPI, and the Greater Minahasa Community, then the Consolidation of the Exodus to Papua 2008 with comrades Mako Tabuni, Seravin Diaz, Hubertus Mabel, Herik Logo, and several colleagues such as Ogram Wanimbo, Fictor Kogoya, Meky Yeimo, Andy Gobay, et al," he said.

Meage said that his experience with his colleagues in building the KNPB movement in Gorontalo was very inspiring for Papuan students and solidarity friends from the Indonesian people in Makassar.

"There are many things that I found with KNPB in the homeland while fighting against Indonesian colonialism. So I have to remind students that, the knowledge received in college is an illusion and abnormal knowledge, but what makes him perfect is that he takes a firm stance and stands with KNPB to be the vanguard for the people and nation of West Papua," he said.

Meage said that he did not hesitate in making the decision to fight together with the 2nd National Leadership Meeting (RAPIMNAS KNPB).

"I was again entrusted and appointed by the forum to lead the Indonesian Consulate and until now, I am still actively consolidating to fight for the national liberation of West Papua," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman I of the Central Executive Board of the West Papua National Committee (KNBP) Warpo Wetipo explained the history of the formation of the KNPB and the KNPB's struggle with the people in the current situation in the homeland of West Papua.

“The origin of the establishment of KNPB did not fall from a tree or the blue sky. However, there are founders who are worthy of mention, namely: DAP, AMPTPI, AMP, FNMPP, SONAMAPPA and several other progressive individuals in the country. So, it is not true that there are irresponsible individuals who always claim to be themselves, that KNPB was born from a personal idea or that they are the true founders. That is just nonsense and deceives the general public,” he said.

Wetipo said that KNPB was born because of the military emergency situation that has never stopped since the West Papuan nation was annexed into the bosom of Mother Earth, since May 1, 1963. Since then, massive and structured military operations have occurred.

"We all know; that there are many operational codes such as: Operation Trikora, Operation Mandala, Operation Wibawa, Operation, Tumpas, Operation sadar, Operation ketupat, Operation senyap, Operation pepaya, Operation koteka, and until now we still hear about Operation Cartensz, Operation Nemangkaei, Operation elang and so on, this is a sign that the land of Papua is a military emergency zone or DOM area," he said.

Wetipo said, in early January 2018 there was a sweep of local residents' homes, burning of churches, schools, shooting of civilians by the TNI/POLRI, and there was a mass evacuation in Nduga district. Not only in Ndugama, but the war between the two parties between the TPNPB-OPM military vs TNI/Polri continues to spread everywhere on the West Papuan homeland.

"The struggle continues in Intan Jaya Regency, Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Maybrat, Puncak Jaya, Timika, Paniai, Dogiyai, Lanny Jaya, Puncak Jaya, and most recently in Yalimo and Tambrauw Regency under the leadership of Aske Mabel and Arnoldus Janssen Kocu," he said.

Wetipo said that another impact of the gunfight was that refugees lost their homes, lost relatives, especially the elderly, and newborn babies died in the forest, livestock, and gardens as their livelihood.

"In addition, PSN in Merauke, 2 million hectares of customary land were seized by the state, oil palm in Arso Regency, more than 11 thousand hectares of customary land were used as land for oil palm projects. Timber companies (illegal logging) and massive deforestation, the entry of giant companies that continue to operate without compromise, by PT. Fi, Bloc Wabu, Bloc Waren, LNJ, and other subsidiaries that continue to reign over the land of West Papua," he said.

Wetipo explained about horizontal conflicts between political party supporters that resulted in tribal wars. High crime rates in several districts and cities in Papua.

"In addition, the condition of Papuans also died due to drug and food poisoning, high levels of free s*x and HIV/AIDS, hit and run, motorcycle theft, widespread and free circulation of alcoholic beverages, young generations of productive age actively involved in Kissing Aibon, violence against minors and housewives, kidnapping and mysterious murders, etc. All of them are simply left alone by the State Authorities," he said.

Wetipo concluded from the discussion that Papuans do not have a good and bright future with Indonesia.

"The solution is to immediately provide space for the Papuan people to determine their right to self-determination, to be independent and to govern themselves," he said.

Indonesian People Fight for Papuan Independence

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Indonesian People's Front for the Liberation of West Papua (FRI-WP) Makassar Region, Arul, has delivered material related to the true history of Indonesian independence (1949).

"However, false Indonesian history records (1945) where the West Papuan nation was further preparing itself for independence, before Indonesia declared independence," he said.

Arul also reviewed the long history where President Soekarno issued the Trikora Declaration in Jakarta Square in front of thousands of Indonesian people, that one of its contents was to immediately dissolve the Dutch-made Puppet State. And then the military carried out general mobilization under the command of Soekarno as the first president and commander in chief.

"The impact was a massive military invasion in the West Irian region (West Papua) and the failure/burying of the Independence of the West Papuan Nation on December 19, 1961. The political economic conspiracy of America, the Netherlands and Indonesia during the struggle for West Irian, which sacrificed the people and nation of West Papua as subjects of political, economic and social status, culture. That indicates that the meeting was only carried out by the devil, demons and witnessed by ghosts," he said.

FRI-WP-Makassar Nyora said the problems in West Papua that we see are not only genocide, ecocide and ethnocide, but the main ones are the conditions of colonialism, racism and capitalism.

"In short, Indonesia practiced colonialism in West Papua, and we as Indonesian people see that situation very clearly. What Indonesia practiced colonization in West Papua is, a practice where Indonesia also experienced colonization from Dutch colonialism," he said.

Nyora said, the reality is that racism is very fertile in Indonesia. Especially the practice of racism has been implemented since the beginning, where the West Papuan Nation was annexed into the Republic of Indonesia.

"The Indonesian nation as a new colonial against the Papuan nation, and feels itself superior and more humane, then in every decision (agreement) related to political, economic, legal, social and cultural status in the history that we study, the indigenous Papuans have never been involved as subjects, so that's where racism has been planted since then. Because Indonesia considers the Papuan nation to be backward, ancient, primitive, stupid, weak, poor, etc.," he said.

Nyora said, in Papua today the issue of capitalism in Papua, economically controlled by foreign capitalism. Indonesia is only a messenger dog.

"What is often felt by indigenous people is agrarian conflict which becomes a serious problem and gives birth to new conflicts. Even customary land is capitalized by capitalists, and also the local bourgeoisie," he said.

Nyora concluded that the indigenous Papuan people have, are and will continue to experience systematic and massive shifts, especially marginalized, privileged communities, and those who depend on government assistance for their abundant natural resources.

"This situation indicates that the Indonesian state is not serious about developing Papua in a humane manner, whether it is increasing the capacity and quality of Papuan human resources or natural resources," he said.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Makassar Legal Aid Institute (LBH) said that the existence of LBH is of course to advocate and provide legal protection for victims, especially the weak who need legal assistance.

"We accompany all issues, including the Papua issue, we accompany them when students protest in the form of peaceful demonstrations in the city of Makassar," he said.

LBH is one of the official institutions and recognized by government authorities. As long as the victims (the weak) come to complain, then we are ready to accompany, Not all LBH are terrorized, intimidated, and pressured by the military.

We were once interrogated by Indonesian security forces, that why are you advocating for Papua issues and so on. However, for LBH, in advocating for the weak, the oppressed/colonized need to protect their fundamental rights.

As long as the real truth, Human Values ​​and Justice are clearly and transparently visible, then LBH Indonesia is there for the public, even though not all human rights workers (leaders and cadres) of LBH in the archipelago think critically.

The seminar was attended by students, university students, youth, delegates from the Manado, Gorontalo, Tomohon regions, representatives of the Cipayung Group, human rights activists or LBH Makassar, Prodem activists, FRI-WP, KNPB, AMPTPI and AMP as well as other invited guests.

Reporter: Hengky Yeimo

Editor : berat

02/02/2025

Three Actions Violating International Human Rights Law According to Natalius Pigai – Suara Papua

JAYAPURA, SUARAPAPUA.com— The Minister of Human Rights (HAM) of the Republic of Indonesia, Natalius Pigai, stated that there were at least three actions that violated international human rights law, including the International Civil and Political Covenant (ICCPR) and various international laws.

Natalius Pigai stated that of the three acts violating international human rights law, one of them was an attempt to forcibly move the population by expelling them from the area where the residents legally resided.

In his tweet on X, Natalius Pigai revealed three actions that violate international human rights law.

First, moving the population from the area of origin of their ancestors, either in part or in whole, to sever ties with their homeland, ancestors, culture, and also the order and values that have been upheld for thousands of years.

Second, the crime of genocide, namely any act carried out with the intention of destroying or exterminating all or part of a national group, race, ethnic group, or religious group.

Third, forced expulsion or transfer of population is the forced transfer of people by means of expulsion or other coercive measures from the area where they legally reside, without any basis permitted by international law.

According to him, these three actions are categorized as the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes and the crime of aggression.

"An action that is not permitted by humanity (hostis humanis generis and no save heaven)," wrote Natalius Pigai.

02/02/2025

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02/02/2025

Papua: Prabowo plans to grant amnesty to pro-independence Papua groups – What is amnesty and how does it affect the resolution of the Papua conflict? - BBC News Indonesia

Prabowo plans to grant amnesty to pro-Papuan independence groups – What is amnesty and how does it affect conflict resolution in Papua?

January 23, 2025

Updated January 24, 2025

President Prabowo Subianto is considering granting amnesty to pro-Papuan independence groups or individuals. This effort is said to be one way to resolve the conflict in the region. Why are human rights activists pessimistic?

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated this in a meeting with a delegation from the British Parliament on Wednesday (22/01).

"Basically, President Prabowo has agreed to grant amnesty and abolition to those involved in the conflict in Papua and resolve the problem there peacefully by prioritizing law and human rights," said Yusril as reported by Kompas.com.

"I think this will be a new hope for us to find a solution for Papua."

What steps will the government take in the near future?

Yusril added that the Ministry of Law is currently collecting data on which prisoners can be granted amnesty.

Previously, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Atgas had said that amnesty would be given to prisoners related to the Papua conflict who were not involved in armed action.

As reported by Antara news agency, Supratman said that there were 18 prisoners related to the Papua case who would receive amnesty.

"The cases are mostly activist friends [...] and this is part of our efforts to carry out reconciliation efforts with friends in Papua," said Supratman on December 13, 2024.

Supratman added that his party and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections are reviewing the granting of this amnesty. The proposal for granting this amnesty will be submitted to the DPR for consideration.

What is the pardon policy in Papua like when Jokowi is in power?

BBC News Indonesia in 2015 reported on President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo granting clemency to five political prisoners involved in the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

Jokowi at that time said that granting pardon was the government's effort to resolve the conflict in Papua.

The five people who were granted clemency were the perpetrators of the attack on the weapons warehouse at the Wamena Kodim headquarters in 2003.

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They are Linus Hiel Hiluka and Kimanus Henda (both sentenced to 19 years and 10 months), Jefrai Murib and Numbungga Telenggen (both sentenced to life), and Apotnalogolik Lokobalm (sentenced to 20 years).

However, one prisoner, Filep Karma (deceased, died in 2022) at that time refused to apply for clemency.

Filep told the BBC he did not want to seek clemency because that would mean admitting guilt and asking the president to pardon him. Filep wanted amnesty because, he said, he was innocent.

'We never proposed it. It was just the president's initiative'

Linus Hiel Hiluka, one of the former Papuan political prisoners who was released by President Jokowi, admitted that he did not know whether he received clemency or amnesty in 2015.

"In the media it was said that it was a pardon... we were not released [through] a pardon. I don't know which facility we were released [from prison] through. There was no amnesty, nor was there a pardon," said Linus via telephone to BBC News Indonesia on Friday (24/1).

"The legal language for pardon is that if we submit a request, the president will grant it... but we never submitted one. It was only the president's [Jokowi's] initiative that we issued it."

Moreover, Linus emphasized that the release of himself and four other Papuan political prisoners a decade ago did not affect the resolution of the conflict in Papua.

"It's just [to] improve Indonesia's good name in the eyes of the world," said Linus.

Linus also highlighted Filep Karma's choice not to accept his release. According to him, Filep proved that it makes no difference for Papuan political prisoners whether they want to be released or not.

Commenting on Prabowo's amnesty plan, Linus only hopes that the government will not force it if there are Papuan political prisoners who choose to remain in prison.

"[For them] it's like going out of a small prison and into a big prison. It's the same," he said.

President Prabowo Subianto, according to Linus, is actually prioritizing policies that will result in suffering for the Papuan people. He gave the example of the government's plan to revive the transmigration program to Papua.

"This is a more severe oppression. This is the elimination of the Papuan race," he added.

Linus said that Indonesia must open up space for negotiations facilitated by the UN or a neutral third country if it truly wants to resolve the conflict in Papua.

"We ask Indonesia to be magnanimous as a dignified nation. President Prabowo must be magnanimous and open the negotiating table between us and Indonesia," he said.

What is the difference between pardon, amnesty and abolition?

Law Number 22 of 2002 Article 1 Paragraph (1) states that "pardon is forgiveness in the form of a change, commutation, reduction or elimination of the ex*****on of a criminal sentence for a convict granted by the President."

A convict can apply for clemency to the head of state. The decision to grant clemency rests with the President after a deliberation process involving the Supreme Court.

If granted, the person's criminal sentence will be removed.

Pardon is usually granted based on humanitarian considerations, such as old age, serious illness, or errors in the judicial process.

Amnesty is the general removal of punishment by the president against a group of people who have committed certain crimes. The decision to grant amnesty is usually based on political or social considerations.

Emergency Law Number 11 of 1954 states that amnesty removes all criminal legal consequences for those who receive it.

Based on Article 14 of the 1945 Constitution and the Emergency Law (UUDRT) Number 11 of 1954, granting amnesty and abolition is the authority of the president by taking into account the Supreme Court and the DPR.

Meanwhile, the president grants abolition to a person or group of people who commit a crime while the legal process is underway.

Abolition aims to stop a person's ongoing legal process for the greater interests of the state.

Why are human rights activists questioning the granting of pardon?

Human Rights Watch activist Andreas Harsono said in 2015 that granting pardons was "a good step, but nothing new".

As reported by the BBC, Andreas said that granting pardon was a form of image building. He also called on the president at that time to seek amnesty for political prisoners.

Commenting on the possibility of amnesty being granted by President Prabowo, the Executive Director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP), Theo Hasegem, said this did not guarantee a resolution of the conflict in Papua.

"I think the issue of Papua must be discussed comprehensively, as a whole. From the political side, from the economic side, and also from the side of human rights violations," he told BBC News Indonesia on Thursday (23/1).

"[The granting of amnesty] is only [...] a campaign to [comply with] international standards [...] that there is an acquittal," he added.

Theo said that the release of five political prisoners during Jokowi's administration did not make the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) budge.

In fact, according to Theo, the issue of "self-determination" among Papuans is becoming more prevalent, especially with the issue of human rights violations in Papua.

He considered the central government "too hesitant" to engage in dialogue to resolve the Papua conflict and was only "skin-skinning".

Theo gave the example of the expansion of the province in Papua, which is said to be aimed at improving the economy while resolving violence in the region.

"But, you know, violence continues to occur. But they continue to send troops. If they continue to send troops, how can we resolve the Papua [conflict]?" he said.

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Separately, the President of the West Papua Baptist Churches Communion, Socratez Yoman, assessed that the amnesty would have "absolutely no" impact on resolving the conflict in Papua.

"The roots of the Papua conflict have been clearly formulated by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, now BRIN [National Research and Innovation Agency]," said Socratez when contacted by BBC News Indonesia on Thursday (23/1).

The member of the Papuan Church Council referred to the four roots of the Papuan conflict formulated by LIPI, namely related to history and political status, human rights violations and state violence, development failure, and discrimination and racism.

"Added to that, one root problem is the interest in resources [which has caused] Papuans to be sacrificed to this day. So [now] how does the President see this?"

Socratez is one of the Papuan priests who has been the most vocal critic of the Indonesian government in the Papua conflict. He wrote a number of books on the subject, the publication of which was banned by the government.

"We are not too surprised [by Prabowo's amnesty plan]. Jokowi has also done that but the substance of the problem has never been touched upon."

Although Socratez called the amnesty plan "Prabowo's good intention", he hopes that this "bridge" will be followed up with a deeper understanding of the Papuan conflict.

"Most Papuans no longer trust Indonesia [or] the authorities. They make promises but never fulfill them. Trust must be rebuilt," he stressed.

'We are not begging. Political prisoners are a symbol of our struggle'

TPNPB spokesman based in Papua New Guinea, Sebby Sambom, said his party was "not affected" by the amnesty plan.

"Whether you want to release them or not... we are not begging. Papuan political prisoners are a symbol of our resistance. They are our fighters," Sebby told BBC News Indonesia when contacted by telephone on Thursday (23/1).

According to Sebby, Papua, there are two "prisons", namely "small prison" and "big prison".

"Our principle is that the 'small prison' is [inhabited] by our fighters. The 'big prison' is under the grip of Indonesia. All Papuan people are prisoners," he stressed.

"We are against illegal occupation."

"Prabowo thinks he can destroy our struggle with political maneuvers like this. Sixty years of Indonesia has never been able to destroy us."

In addition, Sebby also commented on Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra's plan to summon a Finnish mediator, Juha Christensen, who was once a mediator in the Aceh conflict.

TPNPB, he continued, rejected Juha, who he labeled "pro-Indonesia".

Sebby asked for a mediator or neutral third party through the UN.

"We have identified Juha. That person cannot be a mediator. We ordered him to be shot dead if he enters our defense headquarters. We have announced [Juha] to be put under house arrest. [If] he enters our territory, we will order him to be shot dead," he said.

How is the conflict resolution in Papua in the eyes of researchers?

Papua Peace Network (JDP) researcher Adriana Elizabeth said the violent conflict in Papua was one of the longest in Asia after Moro in the Philippines.

Adriana said there were "complaints about non-transparent political processes in the past" which, according to political groups in Papua, had not been responded to properly.

This condition, according to him, led to "separatist movements".

"Granting pardon, amnesty, or abolition... whatever it is, if it is unilateral from the government, it will not solve the Papua problem," said the former coordinator of the Papua study team at LIPI to BBC News Indonesia on Thursday (23/1).

"The conflict resolution must be a two-way process. If it is only a discourse from the government and not responded to by the Papuan group, well, it cannot be resolved either."

Adriana urged the Indonesian government to take the initiative to truly map these groups in Papua because "only they can stop the conflict."

"There are many political factions in Papua. So each one must be approached individually," he said.

In addition, Adriana also questioned the definition of "conflict resolution in Papua".

"What is to be resolved? The violent conflict? Or political groups in Papua must declare their loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia?" said Adriana.

Adriana gave the example of the appointment of former National Human Rights Commission commissioner, Natalius Pigai, who is Papuan, as Minister of Human Rights.

Just like the amnesty discourse, Adriana called this just a kind of "symbolic" from the government and "undignified".

"The government may take the initiative, but it must still involve the conflicting groups there. Listen to the parties there. What do they want?"

In addition to the plan to grant amnesty, Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra also touched on the idea of ​​appointing a mediator to resolve the Papua conflict.

As reported by Kompas.com, Yusril claimed that Juha Christensen, a peace activist from Finland who was involved in the peace process in Aceh, offered himself as a mediator in the Papua conflict.

In this regard, Adriana said the Indonesian government must thoroughly check the background of anyone who becomes a potential mediator in Papua.

"People who [really] understand will not immediately want to [become a mediator]. They will really think first. Especially those who know the Papua issue," he said.

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The government, Adriana continued, must be careful because, according to her, many people offer themselves to become part of the Papuan conflict simply to "look for work".

"Sorry, I'm a bit harsh in speaking like this. Because the issue in Papua has become a field for people to make money too. Look for work too," he said.

Adriana also reminded that the resolution of the conflict in Aceh cannot be equated with Papua. There are other factors in the case of Aceh, such as the tsunami disaster that devastated the area in 2004.

Lastly, Adriana also criticized Yusril's statement on Kompas.com which said that the government did not see any cases in Papua that needed to be resolved through the Human Rights Court.

"Since 2008-2009, LIPI has proposed a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to resolve human rights cases and violence in Papua," he said.

"In a conflict resolution process, there must be such methods. Designing something dignified for this nation in the future. Not just for today's government."

How many Papuan political prisoners are there in Indonesia currently?

Papua Behind Bars, an online resource on West Papuan political prisoners, says there are 1,354 people currently in prison in connection with the Papua conflict.

The most affiliated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) with a total of 349 people.

In addition, 11 detainees were affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and 13 were linked to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

Presiden Prabowo Subianto tengah mempertimbangkan pemberian amnesti kepada orang-orang atau kelompok pro-kemerdekaan Papua. Upaya ini disebut sebagai salah-satu penyelesaian konflik di wilayah tersebut. Mengapa pegiat HAM menganggap upaya itu tidak menjamin dapat menyelesaikan konflik di Papua?

02/02/2025

Land conflict: Maumere Diocese company evicts hundreds of indigenous people's homes - BBC News Indonesia

Maumere Diocese company demolishes hundreds of indigenous homes – 'We didn't think the church could do this'

January 29, 2025

Hundreds of families from the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes in Nangahale Village, Talibura District, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), chose to remain living among the rubble of buildings destroyed by PT Kristus Raja Maumere last week.

They built 'makeshift houses' made of zinc and roofed with tarpaulin to defend their customary land.

"We are still holding on to this house that has been evicted, we are holding on, because we have customary land rights, we are not afraid if thugs come back," said the Head of the Soge Tribe, Ignasius Nasi.

This eviction is the result of a land conflict that has been going on for years between indigenous people and a company owned by the Maumere Diocese.

The President Director of PT Kristus Raja Maumere, Romo Epy Rimo, called the eviction a 'cleansing' because his party had already obtained the rights to manage the land for the development of a coconut plantation business.

The 'cleansing' efforts, he claims, will continue in the near future.

Responding to this issue, the Secretary of the Commission for Justice, Peace, and Pastoral Affairs for Migrants-Nomads, Indonesian Bishops' Conference, Father Marten Jenarut, said that business principles in the church must remain within the framework of supporting the dignity of the church as a religious institution.

"In principle, the church's social teachings uphold justice, social welfare, solidarity, human dignity, and the integrity of creation," explained Father Marten.

'We were shocked that the church could do this'

The traces of the eviction that occurred in Nangahale Village on Tuesday (22/01) are still painful for hundreds of families from the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes.

The house they had built with years of hard work was destroyed by an excavator mercilessly.

Likewise, the garden is their source of life.

The head of the Soge Natarmage tribe, Ignasius Nasi, said that hundreds of residents—most of whom were women—had blocked heavy equipment that was trying to demolish their houses.

They intercepted the excavator shouting: "Is this what a saint does?"

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But what can you do, their numbers and strength are far inferior.

Because not only heavy equipment was brought in, there were also hundreds of people suspected of being from PT Kristus Raja Maumere wearing headbands while carrying machetes, hammers and crowbars.

The group of people forced residents out of their homes and took their garden produce by force.

According to Ignasius, officers from the TNI-Polri and Satpol PP were also at the location to oversee the eviction process.

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A week after the incident, hundreds of families are still surviving in the same location, but this time amidst the rubble of destroyed houses.

They built 'makeshift houses' made of zinc and roofed with tarpaulin to defend their customary land.

"We remain in this house that has been evicted, we remain because we have customary land rights, we are never afraid if thugs come back," said Ignasius.

When BBC News Indonesia went there, a number of residents with blank faces were scavenging for items that could still be used, some were cooking, and others were sitting with their heads bowed near collapsed houses.

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Ignasius said that hundreds of families had been living at the former HGU location since 2014. This was precisely when the HGU contract owned by the Archdiocese of Ende ended.

Because they believe this land is the inheritance of their ancestors.

"This land... is ancestral land passed down from generation to generation, so we have returned to live here," explained Ignasius.

On the land located in Nangahale Village, they then built houses and planted gardens.

In total there are 150 heads of families, most of whom work as farmers.

The conflict arose when PT Kristus Raja Maumere—a company owned by the Maumere Diocese—wanted to continue the HGU contract on the land.

As far as Ignasius can remember, since December 2023 there have been at least three eviction attempts and all of them were met with resistance.

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The latest eviction last week was the peak of their disappointment.

The impact is that the relationship between residents and the church has become strained. Even local people are not comfortable worshiping in the church.

There was a feeling of regret and hurt because "Jesus Christ never taught such actions," said Ignasius.

"We didn't expect it, we were shocked that the church could do this. Our houses were damaged, the plants were damaged, and all the water wells were closed."

"Right now we can't go to church, but we can't get away from religion."

Member of the National Council of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) in Sikka, John Bala, said that last week's evictions actually took place in several locations: two houses in Utan Wair, more than a hundred units in Pedan, Nangahale Village and five others in Wair Hek, Likong Gete Village.

If added up, there are 450 people affected.

What is the lineage of this land?

John Bala, a member of the National Council of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) in Sikka, said that the indigenous people of the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes had inhabited the area of ​​Nangahale Village and its surroundings long before the Dutch colonialists took control of the land in 1912.

This is proven by several historical documents of the Catholic Church in NTT and Maumere.

The document states that there were three main stations in the Dominican Mission in the Maumere area, namely Sikka, Paga, and Krowe.

In the map of Mission Stations from the Dominican era made by BJJ Visser, the Krowe station is placed around Nangahale – which is now the location of the HGU conflict with PT Kristus Raja Maumere.

"So there is a belief that this is the ancestral land of the Soge and Goban Runut tribes," said John Bala to BBC News Indonesia, Monday (27/01).

"And they should get the land as a state obligation to serve the interests of indigenous peoples and landless farmers," he continued.

John then referred to the HGU renewal application document submitted by PT Kristus Raja Maumere dated November 3, 2013.

It is written there that in 1912 a decree was issued by the Dutch colonial government granting permission to the Amsterdam Soenda Company—which is located in Amsterdam—to plant cotton and coconuts on an area of ​​1,438 hectares.

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But the company reportedly continues to suffer losses because its cotton plantations are often burned by the people.

Due to these conditions, in 1926 the plantation was sold by a Dutch company to the Apostolishe Vicariaat Van de Kleine Soenda Hilanden or the Archdiocese of Ende for 22,500 guilders.

The sale and purchase agreement was made with a deed of transfer dated May 10, 1926 before the Assistant Resident of van Flores, Karel Christian van Haaster.

Then in 1956, the Archdiocese of Ende submitted a request to the Sikka autonomous government to return part of the 783 hectare concession land in Nangahale on the grounds that it had been occupied and cultivated by the people.

But the rest is still managed by the Archdiocese of Ende.

After independence, in accordance with the Basic Agrarian Law, the government designated the plantation as a Right to Cultivate (HGU) through Decree of the Head of the Land Agency number 4/HGU/89 dated January 5, 1989.

The Archdiocese of Ende then submitted an application for HGU for the 879 hectare Nangahale plantation land, and it was granted.

The recipient of this HGU is a company formed by the Archdiocese of Ende, namely PT Perkebunan Kelapa Diag (Dioses Agung Ende) with a term of 25 years and ending on December 31, 2013.

When the Diocese of Maumere separated from the Archdiocese of Ende, the HGU concession of PT Perkebunan Kelapa Diag was handed over to PT Kristus Raja Maumere (Krisrama) which is under the auspices of the Diocese of Maumere.

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In 2013—before the end of PT Diag's HGU period—PT Kristus Raja Maumere submitted an application for HGU renewal to the Ministry of ATR/BPN.

However, the proposal was postponed due to objections from the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut indigenous communities who claimed to have occupied the land.

"From the genealogy, it is clear that the HGU land of PT Kristus Raja Maumere originated from land owned by the indigenous people of Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut. This land was taken by the Dutch colonialists and then leased to the Dutch colonial company," said John.

"Until later it was sold to the Catholic church mission at that time."

"At that time, Dutch colonial law was in force which did not recognize the rights of indigenous peoples at all."

The struggle for customary land

The journey of the indigenous people of the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes to reclaim their land did not occur suddenly.

Since 1912, there has been recorded resistance.

Then in August 2000, the Soge Natarmage indigenous community in Utan Wair reclaimed HGU land in Nangahale.

And a month later, seven residents were arrested for allegedly stealing acid at the HGU site. However, a few days later they were released due to pressure from the community and NGOs.

In the following years, the Soge Natarmage indigenous community joined the Tana Ai Tribe and other communities to hold a demonstration at the Sikka Regency DPRD.

They are also not afraid of the prohibitions of the local government and the diocese which prohibit the opening of fields within the HGU area.

In November 2015, representatives of the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut indigenous communities traveled to Jakarta to meet with officials from the Ministry of ATR/BPN. Their intention was to complain about their fate and demand their rights as indigenous people.

The five-day trip was at his own expense, John Bala said.

Upon arrival in Jakarta, they were accompanied by a number of NGOs to meet the ministry. Ministry officials said that the request for renewal of PT Kristus Raja Maumere's HGU would be reviewed.

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The Ministry, John claims, also ordered the Head of the NTT Province BPN Office to conduct a re-examination of the former HGU land requested by PT Kristus Raja Maumere.

And, asking indigenous community representatives to return to dialogue with the company.

"But the dialogue was never carried out until the HGU concession was issued," said John.

But the resistance of indigenous peoples did not stop.

They repeatedly stopped officers and Satpol PP from measuring and planting boundary marker pillars by PT Kristus Raja Maumere together with ATR/BPN ministry employees at the location.

They also obstructed NTT BPN employees who wanted to conduct a land inspection as a condition for issuing HGU.

Although the issuance of a new HGU for PT Kristus Raja Maumere was finally issued on July 20, 2023, covering an area of ​​325,682 hectares.

And on July 29, 2024, the community resisted the land clearing by damaging a sign that read 'This land belongs to PT Krisrama, Maumere Diocese'.

Due to this action, eight people were reported to the police and named as suspects.

The trial process is still ongoing at the Maumere District Court.

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Unfortunately, said John, in the trial which took place on Tuesday (22/01) with the agenda of reading the exceptions of the eight defendants, the company evicted residents' houses.

"The resistance [to prevent the eviction] was a bit late because most of the residents came to court to give their support," said John.

"So the resistance to prevent this can only be done in the afternoon, when they return to their village which is 30 kilometers away."

Meanwhile, those remaining in the village, he continued, were only the parents, wives and children.

What steps will residents take?

The indigenous people of the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes, claims John Bala, consider the issuance of HGU Decree Number 01/BPN.53/7/2023 concerning the Renewal of PT Krisrama's HGU in Nangahale to be "administratively flawed" because it does not meet the requirements.

"The requirement for issuing a new HGU is that the land must have a clean and clear status, meaning that the land must not have any conflicts or objections from other parties. Are these objections from the community considered not to be a conflict?" he said.

On that basis, John continued, residents will remain at the location while taking the next steps.

One of them is to file an objection to the Ministry of ATR/BPN regarding the issuance of the HGU Decree to PT Krisrama.

The basis for the objection refers to the sixth dictum in the decree which states "if there are problems with the control and/or ownership of other parties on the land granted with HGU in the future, then PT Krisrama is obliged to resolve the problem in accordance with applicable provisions."

Then, the tenth dictum states "the authorized official can revoke the HGU permit if the rights holder does not fulfill the requirements set out in the sixth dictum".

To prove that there is a problem with the HGU, John said, they will reveal all the events that occurred. Including the recent eviction attempt.

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"Eviction or clearing is not included in the applicable regulatory mechanism. Eviction can be carried out after there is an explicit order from the court after a civil process."

"So you can't evict just because an announcement has been made in the church, an announcement by the local government, and a warning."

He hopes that with this evidence, the government will revoke the HGU Decree.

These efforts will be carried out in the near future while collecting data in the field.

What do the company and KWI say?

The President Director of PT Kristus Raja Maumere, Romo Epy Rimo, called the eviction a 'cleansing' because his party had already obtained the rights to manage the land for the development of a 325-hectare coconut plantation business, which was marked by the issuance of ten former HGU land certificates.

Therefore, he said, the 'cleaning' efforts will continue in the near future.

"Then there is one point that we need to do, which is cleaning the location so that we can rejuvenate it, because the coconut trees that we have now are getting old..."

"Therefore, there needs to be rejuvenation in accordance with part of the revenue rights strategy plan for us to redevelop the coconut plantation business," explained Father Epy.

The Managing Director of PT Christ Raja Maumere, Father Robertus Yan Faroka, also made the claim that this 'cleansing' had gone through the applicable procedures.

The process begins with an announcement in the church, an announcement by the local government, an individual approach, and a legal summons.

But a number of residents he called 'occupants' ignored the appeals. Some residents, he said, voluntarily vacated their huts.

"What went viral yesterday was only a handful of people who were asked to stay by several NGOs and intellectual actors for their own interests," he said as reported by Tempo.co.

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Responding to this land conflict issue, the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) suggested that the indigenous people of the Soge Natarmage and Goban Runut-Tana Ai tribes file a lawsuit in court if they feel that the HGU land given to PT Kristus Raja Maumere or Krisrama is administratively flawed.

Secretary of the KWI Migrant Justice, Peace, and Pastoral Affairs Commission, Father Marten Jenarut, said another option that residents could take was to submit an application to the National Land Agency to cancel the HGU.

However, in this case, he seemed to imply that the KWI did not have any authority.

"KWI is not the superior of Maumere Diocese or Maumere Diocese is not subordinate to KWI. KWI is only the coordinator of diocesan level programs throughout Indonesia..."

"The parties involved in this problem are PT Krisrama and several indigenous communities. The forms of problem solving options always begin with dialogue and deliberation," said Father Marten Jenarut to BBC News Indonesia (27/01).

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However, he said that business principles in the church must remain within the framework of supporting the dignity of the church as a religious institution.

"In principle, the church's social teachings uphold justice, social welfare, solidarity, human dignity, and the integrity of creation," explained Father Marten.

Meanwhile, Soge Tribe Chief Ignasius Nasi hopes the government will side with indigenous people, not churches or companies. Because the state's duty, he said, is as a protector who provides protection to its citizens.

Journalist Arnold Welianto in NTT contributed to this report.

Ratusan keluarga dari Suku Soge Natarmage dan Goban Runut-Tana Ai di Desa Nangahale, Kecamatan Talibura, Kabupaten Sikka, NTT, memilih untuk tetap tinggal di antara puing-puing reruntuhan bangunan yang hancur digusur PT Kristus Raja Maumere pada pekan lalu.